Koster Sues Florida Business

Koster Sues Florida Business

A Florida-based business is being accused of misleading consumers in the Springfield area.

Edited from a press release from the office of Attorney General Chris Koster:

Jefferson City, Mo. – Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster today announced he has filed a lawsuit against a Florida business for misleading Missouri consumers by claiming it was affiliated with legitimate Legal Aid offices. The lawsuit also alleges the business illegally took payments from at least one Missouri consumer for legal work not performed by a licensed Missouri attorney.

According to Koster, the business and its owner, Yoram Rozenberg, operated under the names “Legal Aid” and “The Legal Aid Society,” and misrepresented to Missouri consumers that these companies were associated with Legal Services of Southern Missouri. Legal Services of Southern Missouri serves elderly and low-income citizens, usually without charge.

Koster said the business advertised in Springfield phone books using a local phone number, and falsely indicated affiliation with the local Legal Services office. The business took $389 from one Springfield-area couple for legal documents related to a guardianship, which constituted the unauthorized practice of law in Missouri by the company.

Koster is seeking restitution for any consumer harmed by the businesses as well as an order prohibiting Rozenberg from doing business in the state. He is also seeking penalties and court costs.

“We will not tolerate any company misleading Missouri consumers who are vulnerable and in need of legal assistance,” Koster said.

Koster said Missouri consumers who did business with “Legal Aid” and “The Legal Aid Society” can file complaints with his office at 800-392-8222 or ago.mo.gov.

Lynne Roberts

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